As we all attempt to stay healthy, trying not to catch or spread the latest COVID-19 variants around to our loved ones, I’ve noticed what has been bringing me joy. It’s really the simple things in life that are most meaningful in stressful times. I’m not sure if it’s my age, and my willingness to enjoy a slow down or even a wintering time of life, or if simplicity really is the answer to so many of life’s woes.

Talking on the phone to a friend or family member I haven’t seen in a while.

Reading a really good book. [Okay, this is ALWAYS my go-to habit, but it’s still good and quite simple!]

Taking a walk outside. No equipment needed. You can do this alone or with others. Listening to music, podcasts, a book on tape, or nothing but the sounds of nature.

Sitting in stillness. Ten minutes of meditation a day is SLOWING teaching my mind to be quiet for small moments at a time. To be present. To focus on breathing in and breathing out.

Emptying my robot vacuum after he successfully cleans my house while I’m sitting reading.

Playing a made-up game that my 3-year old nephew has invented out of the random collection of kid and cat toys he finds around my house when he comes to visit.

There is nothing special on this list. Not much that costs money (my robot vacuum was a gift- thanks Dad!). Many of these tasks can be done day or night, alone or with others. I’m writing this list as a reminder to myself. So often, I get in a loop, especially when talking to friends who want to vent about their stresses at the end of a long day, where I think about how annoying life can be (or the people in it!). And that is true. But it’s also rather simple to step away from those annoyances and get back to center. Returning to simplicity is a good reminder to myself, and I thought it might be a good reminder for you too.